Zambia Safari & Malawi Beach

From South Luangwa National Park, in Zambia, to the perfect tranquillity of Liwonde National Park and finally ending on the natural shores of Lake Malawi. South Luangwa National Park, which indicates the end of the Great Rift African Valley, is one of the last natural wilderness areas and possibly the most beautiful wildlife reserve in Africa. Covering an area of over 9000 sq. Km. The wandering Luangwa River runs. The Oxbow, woodland, and plains of the valley gathering large concentrations of the game which include elephants, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippos and over 450 bird’s species.

Dominated by Lake Malawi space, the third largest lake in Africa, the surrounding countryside is lovely with breathtaking scenery that includes plateaus rocky outcrops, high mountains, and views across what is regarded as Africa’s most beautiful lake. Malawi is identified as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” and as people, are extremely friendly and welcoming. There are many market scenes, roadside stalls, cottage industries that a visitor can visit. With both the landscape and the culture Malawi is a great country to drive in.

Highlights

  • South Luangwa: Game drives day and night & Walking Safari
  • Kuthengo: walking game drives the day with night and seasonal boating safaris.
  • Pumulani: birding, kayaking, boating, scuba diving, snorkelling, water-skiing, fun-tubing, sunset cruises, sailing, fishing, picnic tours plus village tour.

Inclusions

  • All road and air transportation starting in Lusaka, Zambia and ending in Lilongwe, Malawi
  • All Meals & Local drinks
  • Accommodation in Luxury Ensuite Rooms
  • Activities (except motorized water sports)
  • Laundry Services

The Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive /Flight to Mfuwe in South Luangwa NP

Arriving at Lusaka International Airport, met by our representative who will have a name board with your names, then help you connect to your flight to Mfuwe, South Luangwa. The trip is on average one hour, At Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will join you and take you by vehicle to Nkwali Camp, through picturesque scenes of villages, bush and agriculture.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a scrumptious lunch followed by rest before going off to the park for your primary game activity which you may decide to extend into a night drive or you will decide to relax should you arrive late.

Day 2-3

Nkwali Camp- South Luangwa National Park

Getting up before dawn so then you are in the park right in time for the excellent dawn light the camp ideally has access to the park across the river, so it takes only a few swift minutes. You’ll maximize your time in the park has many subjects to photograph from the very big to the very small.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, you can take time to relax, reading a good book or just lounge and experience your environment. With a delightful cup of tea or coffee and delicious cake, going back to the park to find even with more activities in the afternoon and evening, returning to camp for dinner.

Day 4

Transfer to Kuthengo Camp – Liwonde NP

After breakfast you will be taken to Kuthengo Camp, driven to Mfuwe airport for a short flight to Lilongwe which is only one hour long. When you arrive at Lilongwe International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Robin Pope Safaris Agent and then you will be transferred by road to Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park (4 hours).

Liwonde is estimated to be one of the top birding regions in Southern Africa. Offering some of the most spectacular game viewing, beautiful riverine environment and varied bird watching you could wish to find. The Shire River floodplains, much enjoyed by the healthy community of Elephants in this park. They are best observed when your boat safari on the Shire River, one of the several highlights of a visit to Kuthengo Camp. According to your entry time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking over the Shire River, in the afternoon, you can have afternoon tea with an evening game drive.

Day 5-6

Kuthengo Camp, Liwonde National Park

Travel the Shire River and lagoons an outstanding opportunity for viewing elephants, birdlife hippo and crocodiles. Birding is rewarding specialities include Lillian’s lovebird, brown-breasted barbet, osprey, palm nut vulture. Pel’s fishing owl, and Livingstone’s flycatcher.

Also possible is a viewing hide on a tributary of the Shire River and even some new visits to the surrounding rural communities and schools.

Day 7

Transfer to Pumulani Lodge, Lake Malawi

Transportation to Pumulani after breakfast, through a spectacular drive north of around 2.5 hours reaching the Nankumba Peninsula of Lake Malawi. This is recognized as one of the most beautiful shores of the Lake and borders Lake Malawi, National Park. This Park was established to preserve the cichlid fish different to the area, and in 1984 the park was distinguished as a World Heritage Site. Pumulani is mainly located on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula, encompassed by the national park. Ten villas are disseminated around the hillside and are different in shape and designed.

Each has a large bedroom, bathroom, and popular sitting area with front sliding doors that open onto the floor raised above the ground giving the best views. Our exclusive beach setting is perfect for those who swim in the clear blue waters of the lake and soak up the sun. For those who prefer to dive there is an infinity pool near the vital dining area with great views over the lake and another infinity pool on the beach. For those seeking activity we provide various water sports activities like snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and fun tube ride all engine-powered activities are prohibited.

Day 8-10

Pumulani Lodge, Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is the world’s premier ecologically different lake. The crystal-clear waters are home to at least a thousand species of fish, including hundreds of species of colourful cichlids. We offer individual diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands.

For those who are drawn to the real Malawian village life, we offer guided tours through the local villages. Malawians are famous for being one of the friendliest people in Africa you will have the opportunity to experience this for yourself. You can also relax in the beautiful and peaceful scenery or can enjoy the numerous other activities.

Day 11

Departure

On the last day of your stay with Pumulani. You will be transported by road back to Lilongwe in time for your onward connection.

Where You'll Be Staying

Nkwali Camp

South Luangwa National Park
Many places claim to be “among the remaining wilderness areas” or “one of the last wildlife sanctuaries”; South Luangwa National Park lives up to both and more. The Luangwa Valley is vast, remote and home to both people and a truly impressive variety of games. The South Luangwa Park is 9050 sq. kilometres; with the river, its tributaries and the riverine strips being the focus of the wildlife viewing. There are diverse habitats, from huge ox bow lagoons of varying…
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Kuthengo Camp,

Liwonde National Park

Located on a large open plain stretching towards the Shire River in Liwonde National Park, you will find Kuthengo Camp nestled among Fever trees and Baobabs. With resident fish eagles nesting in these Baobabs, you will be woken to ‘Africa’s voice’ calling as you rise in this wild and natural paradise. Our four spacious and modern safari tents are all en-suite, each with a bathtub and an outdoor shower. Cool off in our plunge pool in the hotter months and…
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Pumulani Lodge,

Lake Malawi

Situated on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula on the Southern end of Lake Malawi you can find Pumulani subtly nestled in the lush hills amongst the trees and craggy outcrops. The ten villas provide the ultimate in space, design, comfort and privacy. David Livingstone famously named Lake Malawi “The Lake of Stars” and for good reason, during the day the light dances across the deep blue water and once the sun has set the stars to twinkle brightly…
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What's not included

Visa fees where applicable - International flights - Travel Insurance (Recommend Comprehensive which covers both Travel and medical) - Gratuities & drinks of premium brands

Why Choose Absolute Zambia Safaris?

Absolute Zambia Safaris is a specialist in bespoke and private safaris in Zambia. Through our large safari operators, we proudly assist our guests in designing custom-made safaris.

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Feedback From Our Previous Clients

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Dillon P profile picture
Dillon P
01/01/2025
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Epic experience Truly a once in a lifetime experience! We always felt safe and well looked after on the trip, the scenery was excellent and the value for money was off the charts. Definitely a trip we would want to do again.
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howard0928
10/11/2024
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Excellent operator! Absolute Zambia was fantastic. Every connection ran smoothly, a representative was in hand whenever necessary. Booked us in fantastic lodges with great accommodations and even better food Highly recommended
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Sorel profile picture
Sorel
19/10/2024
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Well organized, amazing safari Robert helped us plan every detail of our first safari/trip to Africa. He was incredibly responsive via email, and allowed us to explore a variety of options. We visited the city of Lusaka, 2 game parks, Victoria Falls, Johannesburg, and a Mozambique beach resort. Every step of the way went smoothly.I especially recommend South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi game parks for safari. We saw a wide range of game and our guides were knowledgeable. It was overall an amazing experience.
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Laurent - societyofexploration
18/09/2024
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100% recommendation for your Zambia travels Robert arranged a two weeks photography tour for us, combining Wildlige and culture (Likumby Lya Mize and Nyau mask dances) and we enjoyed it a lot. He was extremely responsive to answer all our questions before the tour and arranged many extras that are, for photographers, of the utmost importance - private safari vehicles, full day game drives, efficient planning - making sure we didn‘t miss a thing! Also the recommended lodges were faultless. A special thanks to our driver, Kamara, who, with his professionalism and positive attitude, helped to overcome every small difficulty that we met during our overland travel days. The budget we gave was also respected and we got good value for our money. I give a 100% recommendation to this reputable Zambian owned company.
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marys profile picture
marys
25/08/2024
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AMAZING EXPERIENCE Robert Zgosi was amazing! Everything on our trip was perfectly planned and executed. I couldn't have asked for a better experience! I have recommended this company to friends and would definitely use them again!
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Diamond1924
07/07/2024
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Absolutely Great Tour AZS organised a perfect customised tour for us, combining Victoria Falls and South Luangwa nature reserve. Everything went really smoothly from stepping off the plane at Livingstone, crossing the Zimbabwean border, internal Zambian flights, and selecting terrific Lodges. We were pleasantly surprised to be welcomed at Lusaka Airport as we connected to our flight to Mfuwe. Would thoroughly recommend - AZS were brilliant at rearranging everything when we had to delay our trip as well. Really good.
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Anna L profile picture
Anna L
14/05/2024
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Perfect holiday in Zambia Robert designed a perfect trip for our family. He chose local owned lodges that met our budget. He was always available to make sure we were okay or to give us advice. I highly recommend Absolute Zambia Safari!
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Howard K K WONG
13/05/2024
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The most professional and trustworthy agent for safaris in Africa We have just returned from a wonderful 9 days’ trip in Zimbabwe which was recommended and well organized by Robert from Absolute Zambia Safaris. According to our budget and wishing list, Robert organized us to stay at two wonderful lodges each close to two different National Parks in Zimbabwe and last stop by Victoria Falls. I was lucky to have entrusted Robert to organize my first experience of safari at his own country ( 5 days’ Luangwa trip) in 2019. Same as before, we did not have to think about anything on this trip but enjoying every moment on our safaris, especially the sightings of white rhinos which we mostly interested in. All the arrangements were seamless with only one hiccup, it was not the fault of Robert or his team but the “Imvelo” whose tram services could not be resumed on the date as they had hoped. What a pity that we could not celebrate our special event on that tram as planned. Robert be given credit once again in this regard, he promptly negotiated with Imvelo who eventually compensated us a charter flight to Victoria Fall with no extra charge and had out luggage forwarded by road to our hotel on the same day. All the way through our return to the airport for our flight back home, definitely exceeded our expectations. Robert of Absolute Zambia Safaris was truly amazing and I wholeheartedly recommend him to those planning a trip in South Africa.
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Gary V profile picture
Gary V
19/12/2023
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Another perfect holiday We were a party of eight, most of us on a return trip (last one in 2020 - also with Absolute Zambia Safaris) under the expert guidance of Robert. It was again a holiday without a single complaint. Pickups were reliable and punctual, the David Livingstone resort is perfectly located on the banks of the Zambezi with comfortable beds, sumptuous food, an infinity pool, and an unlimited supply of food and drinks on the silent but spacious sunset cruise. Robert (from Absolute Zambia Safaris) dealt with all our changes, additions, amendments, and cancellations with endless patience and understanding. It was a perfect holiday, we will be back. Thank you Absolute Zambia Safaris.
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Lisa A
24/11/2023
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Amazing five-day trip Absolute Safari organised an amazing five-day trip for us which included 2 nights in Mwanfushi safari lodge and 2 nights by Victoria falls. Everything worked out perfectly and Robert was quick on the email, answering and organising according to our wishes. Our driver Brian was excellent and always on time and the price very reasonable. Can highly recommend.

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